Article type
Abstract
Background: This evidence and gap map (EGM) shows evidence synthesis of studies on the effectiveness of interventions to promote women’s entrepreneurship in agribusiness in low- and middle-income countries (L&MICs).
Objectives: To develop a clear framework of the types of interventions and outcomes related to the effectiveness of interventions for women in agribusiness in L&MICs as well as to provide database entries of included studies that summarize the intervention, context, study design, and main findings.
Methods: The EGM follows an intervention-outcome framework, with population, intervention, outcomes, study design, and agribusiness sectors in the filters. These are visually presented via an interactive online version of the map.
Results: Evidence across the intervention categories came primarily from process evaluations and randomized control trials. Studies predominantly reported on interventions aimed at improving access to resources, especially training in business, finance, vocational areas, and information and communication technology. In contrast, very few studies looked into interventions focused on support networks such as farmer cooperatives and self-help groups. Most evidence showed the impact of interventions on capacity-building. Fewer studies examined the effectiveness of interventions in promoting women’s agency and self-worth and in the creation of an enabling environment where women are aware of their social, economic, and labor rights. The findings of the EGM suggest that there is a need for more interventions aiming to fulfil the "Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index" concerned with gender parity in empowerment within the household, with an emphasis on women's inclusion in agribusiness relative to men.
Conclusions: The mapping exercise is the first step to identifying priority areas for systematic reviews and impact evaluations. There is a need for systematic reviews to be able to provide more guidance for action for policy and program decision-makers in this area of research. This EGM identified initial steps that can help advance research to promote the inclusion of women in agribusiness and empower them to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. The method(s) used herein points to the strengths of an online interactive visualization, a list of references, and a summary of studies that will facilitate access and use of research.
Objectives: To develop a clear framework of the types of interventions and outcomes related to the effectiveness of interventions for women in agribusiness in L&MICs as well as to provide database entries of included studies that summarize the intervention, context, study design, and main findings.
Methods: The EGM follows an intervention-outcome framework, with population, intervention, outcomes, study design, and agribusiness sectors in the filters. These are visually presented via an interactive online version of the map.
Results: Evidence across the intervention categories came primarily from process evaluations and randomized control trials. Studies predominantly reported on interventions aimed at improving access to resources, especially training in business, finance, vocational areas, and information and communication technology. In contrast, very few studies looked into interventions focused on support networks such as farmer cooperatives and self-help groups. Most evidence showed the impact of interventions on capacity-building. Fewer studies examined the effectiveness of interventions in promoting women’s agency and self-worth and in the creation of an enabling environment where women are aware of their social, economic, and labor rights. The findings of the EGM suggest that there is a need for more interventions aiming to fulfil the "Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index" concerned with gender parity in empowerment within the household, with an emphasis on women's inclusion in agribusiness relative to men.
Conclusions: The mapping exercise is the first step to identifying priority areas for systematic reviews and impact evaluations. There is a need for systematic reviews to be able to provide more guidance for action for policy and program decision-makers in this area of research. This EGM identified initial steps that can help advance research to promote the inclusion of women in agribusiness and empower them to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. The method(s) used herein points to the strengths of an online interactive visualization, a list of references, and a summary of studies that will facilitate access and use of research.